Excite Fit At Woodville

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31094, 24 June 1966, Page 5

Excite Fit At Woodville

"The Press” Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH.

Excite looks a leading contender for tomorrow’s Clifton Handicap at Hastings after a smart trial at Woodville yesterday. Galloping on wet footing, Excite shaded the open sprinter, Comrade, at the end of a steady five furlongs on the course proper.

Facade w-as another to run his final Hastings trial satisfactorily. Royal Guest and State Ruler left no doubts regarding their fitness.

The trestles were set about 36ft from the rail on the course proper which was cutting out. The work took place in intermittent rain.

Excite, galloping outside Comrade, pulled ahead of him near the end of five furlongs in Imin 8 2-ssec, the last three boldly in 40 4-ssec. It was outstanding work for a hack.

Another smart sprint was that of State Ruler, which ran the day’s fastest half-mile in 54isec, covering his final three in 40sec. This made Lord Aurora’s 55sec with Salem look attractive.

Facade, ready to run a solid race in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, covered a mile inside Royal Guest in Imin 57isec in his final trial for the race. He sprinted hie last six furlongs with a big weight up in Imin 294 sec. taking 44 4-ssec for the final three furlongs.